&Beyond Punakha River Lodge in Bhutan offers an unparalleled luxury experience for active travelers seeking serenity and cultural exploration in Bhutan. The inviting boutique hotel incorporates Bhutanese architecture and ultra luxurious amenities to create an exceptional five-star haven for travelers visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge, a five-star resort, opened its doors in 2023. The stunning riverside resort is set on fifty acres, giving outdoor enthusiasts a vast playground to explore.
The main building, which includes a gift shop and the restaurant, was designed to feel like you were walking into someone’s living room. The cozy space feels intimate and relaxing. A place where numerous guests can chill out and enjoy a cocktail or a game before dinner.
About &Beyond
&Beyond began its journey in 1991 with a bold vision: to demonstrate that sustainable tourism could benefit both people and the planet. Initially focused on Africa, Phinda Private Game Reserve was created, the first private game reserve in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Since that time, the brand has revolutionized the luxury travel industry by combining high-end guest experiences with a deep commitment to conservation and community upliftment. Over the years, &Beyond expanded its footprint to Asia and South America, bringing its philosophy of “Care of the Land, Wildlife, and People” to new destinations.
Location
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge is located in the heart of Punakha Valley, along the banks of the Mo Chhu River that runs through the property. The tranquil setting offers breathtaking views of terraced rice paddies, lush forests, and the majestic Himalayas. The lodge is conveniently close to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic monasteries. You might even see monkeys swinging from the trees while visiting.
Getting to &Beyond in Punakha
Most guests will arrive by flying into Paro, Bhutan, before eventually making their way to Punakha. The lower altitude of the Punakha Valley makes it more accessible to guests who might be affected by altitude sickness at higher-altitude destinations like Paro or Thimphu. The hotel is a 3 to 4-hour scenic drive from the Paro International Airport. To reach Punakha Valley, guests will be driven through the iconic Dochula Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
The drive is rough for those like me who tend to get motion sick. The twisty mountain road gave way to pristine mountains covered by green trees, but the constant turning was too much for me. To tamp down the nausea, I laid down in the backseat and forced myself to sleep through most of the ride to and from Punakha. Gary, on the other hand, had no problems with the mountain roads.
&Beyond – An All-Inclusive Resort
Guests can take advantage of the all-inclusive resort, which includes three meals a day, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments, and filtered water. It also includes laundry service, guided village walks, gratuity, and applicable government taxes. &Beyond is one of the best resorts in Punakha and in Bhutan.
Accommodations at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge
The lodge features six tented suites, a one-bedroom suite, and a two-bedroom suite. The small boutique hotel limits the number of guests to twenty to ensure privacy and excellent service. The resort is on a massive piece of property, giving guests the opportunity to explore and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Each room includes premium bedding, private terraces, and locally inspired décor that reflects Bhutanese heritage.
Tented Suites
A traditional Bhutanese timber structure is used to create a tent structure. But this is not the type of tent you would use when you are camping. The interior Bhutanese-inspired design is stunning. Each “tent” features an ensuite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower, bathtub, and a private verandah. The tents were designed to provide privacy and include air conditioning.
River House
The one-bedroom River House was designed for couples. Set along a peaceful stream view of the Himalayan mountains, it is ideal for those looking to get away from everyone and everything. Except for the monkeys that are known to wander through, you have complete privacy.
The home include a spacious lounge and dining area downstairs. A gorgeous bedroom with an open ensuite bathroom and soaking tub waits for you upstairs. The River House also includes a private plunge pool and outdoor verandah.
Family Suite
Two interconnected suites make up this Family Suite for four people. Each room has its own ensuite, private outdoor verandah, shower, and pool. The suite is designed to take advantage of the views of the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten and paddy fields.
Dining
The all-inclusive resort offers farm-to-table cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients. Food options are changed daily. Meals are served in a variety of settings, from riverside picnics to elegant indoor dining spaces to in your room. The dining locations are limitless. You can even request a chef to cook for you in your private villa.
In addition, there is an outdoor kitchen that the hotel uses for interactive live cooking demonstrations to different highlight Bhutanese dishes.
Pool
Overlooking the Mo Chu River is a gorgeous outdoor area with a sparkling heated pool. While relaxing in the pool, you can enjoy not only the river views but also awe at the mountains.
Wellness Options
A full-service spa offers traditional Bhutanese therapies alongside modern treatments. Guests can relax with the signature holistic massage and take comfort knowing all the spa products are natural and locally sourced.
While enjoying the spa, you might try a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. Stones from the river are heated over a fire and then added to a separate chamber in the wooden bathtub to warm the bath water, which is usually filled with herbs that help alleviate tight muscles and joints. Be forewarned; the water is scalding hot.
When I partook in the hot stone bath tradition while in Bhutan, it took me some time to get used to the hot before I could sit in the bathtub, and then only for a short amount of time. Everyone warned me the water would be hot, but I didn’t comprehend just how hot the water would be. And this is from someone who craves hot water.
Guests can try yoga at the yoga pavilion overlooking the river or meditate by the flowing river.
Things to Do in Punakha
Cultural experiences such as private guided monastery visits and traditional Bhutanese cooking classes are complemented by outdoor adventures like white-water rafting, trekking, and birdwatching. In addition, you might find yourself mountain biking, kayaking, archery, participating in a ceremony, or receiving a blessing.
Below is a list of some of the most popular places to visit while in Punakha:
- Punakha Dzong – one of the oldest and largest Dzong’s (fortress/monastery) in Bhutan.
- Chimmi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a controversial Tibetan Buddhist saint, is known as the “Divine Madman.”
- Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a hilltop shrine built by the royal family.
- Visit an active monastery
- Cross a suspension bridge while in Punakha
Your itinerary can be tailored to the activities and experiences that are most important to you.
Sustainability Initiatives at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge
Bhutan is a carbon neutral country, which goes hand in hand with &Beyond’s philosophy of incurring minimal environmental impact. As part of its commitment to conservation, the lodge supports local communities and promotes eco-friendly practices. For instance, &Beyond works with local farmers to grow the produce that is served to its guests. The hotel was built, in part, by local craftsmen, and eighty-five percent of the staff was hired from local villages.
In addition, the boutique hotel works with local schools to sponsor meals and provide computers to students.
Why Choose &Beyond?
&Beyond is renowned for creating high-end, personalized travel experiences focused on sustainability and cultural immersion. Unlike many hotel chains, &Beyond prioritizes conservation and community development without sacrificing the guest experience.
Takeaways
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge is pricey, but it provides a harmonious blend of luxury, culture, and sustainability, making it a prime choice for those seeking an unforgettable Bhutanese escape. The luxurious five-star resort in Punakha takes pride in working with the community and providing an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re exploring sacred monasteries or relaxing by the river, this lodge promises a journey that’s as enriching as it is indulgent.
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